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Medicaid Coverage Changes

Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal work requirements will affect certain people ages 19 to 64 who have Medicaid.

To keep your Medicaid coverage, you may be required to show that you are:

  • Working
  • In a work training program
  • Performing community service
  • In school
  • Exempt from these requirements due to disability or other reasons

You may be exempt from the work requirements if you:

  • Are pregnant or have given birth in the past 12 months
  • Are the parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child under age 14 or a disabled individual
  • Have a disability, as defined for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility
  • Have special medical needs or mental health conditions that significantly impair your ability to work
  • Are participating in a drug or alcohol use treatment program
  • Are enrolled in SNAP (food stamps) and subject to SNAP work requirements
  • Are enrolled in TANF (cash assistance) and compliant with TANF work requirements
  • Have been released from jail or prison in the last 90 days
  • Are receiving inpatient services in a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or similar facility

For a full list of exemptions, see NY State of Health: Changes to Medicaid Coverage.

If work requirements apply to you, NY State of Health will send you a notification letter by September 30. Keep your contact information up to date to make sure you do not miss it. See a sample notice (PDF).

Everyone who has Medicaid will have to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. This means that if you apply for Medicaid after January 1, 2027, or renew after March 1, 2027, you will now renew every six months.

How to Prepare

If you have Medicaid insurance, you can prepare for these changes by following these tips:

  1. Find out if these new requirements will apply to you. If you are between the ages of 19 and 64, you could be affected.
  2. Keep your contact information updated with NY State of Health. If you need help or do not know how to access your account, a Health Department counselor can help you. You can also follow the steps.
  3. Look for official messages from the NY State of Health. Messages may contain important information on how to keep your coverage. Pay special attention to renewal notices. If you are already on Medicaid, you could be required to comply with these new rules starting with March 2027 renewals.
  4. Consider sharing earnings info. NY State of Health is partnering with a company called Truv to access payroll data, making it easier to verify compliance with Medicaid work requirements. Learn more about opting in to Truv.
  5. Continue to get care. You should continue to see your healthcare providers when you need care. If you are unsure about your current coverage, check your NY State of Health account, speak to a counselor by calling 347-665-0214, or talk to your healthcare provider.
  6. Know where to get help. If you receive a notice of noncompliance or need help with your Medicaid renewal, call the NYC Health Department at 347-665-0214 or request a callback using the Health Insurance Inquiry Form.
  7. There are healthcare options regardless of coverage. Even if you lose your Medicaid coverage, there are options for affordable healthcare in New York City for uninsured residents, regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay. You can find low- or no-cost healthcare services at an NYC Health + Hospitals location near you through NYC Care or by calling 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) or 311. You can also find a health center.

Get Help

The NYC Health Department can answer your questions and support you in meeting the new requirements to stay covered by Medicaid or another insurance plan. This service is free and available in many languages. Counselors can also help you enroll in health insurance if you are uninsured.

To speak with an NYC Health Department counselor, call 347-665-0214 or request a callback using the Health Insurance Inquiry Form.

To learn more, see Health Insurance: Enrollment Counselors.

Additional Resources

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